Family Caregivers Face Growing Burden as US Population Ages

Maurice White, 75, and Renee DeVigne, 68, are among the millions of family caregivers in the U.S. whose lives center around caring for aging loved ones. The Washington, D.C. couple has gone to extraordinary lengths, into their own retirement years, to take care of family elders. They've cared for White's mother Evelyn White in their home for 25 years. The retired teacher turned 104 in October. She's one of the last of their elders they will care for. "There have been 12," said DeVigne. "His father, my mother, and other aunts, uncles, grandparents." The couple also helps care for DeVigne's dad, who lives in a memory care unit. The couple's dedication to caring for their loved ones is a testament to the growing need for family caregivers in the United States. As the population ages, the demand for caregivers is expected to increase, but the declining population is making it increasingly difficult to meet this demand. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 49.2 million in 2020 to 73.1 million by 2030. The impact of the declining population on family caregivers is multifaceted. Not only are they facing a shortage of caregivers, but they are also shouldering the financial burden of caring for their loved ones. According to a report by the AARP, family caregivers spend an average of $7,000 per year on out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills, transportation, and home modifications. Maurice White and Renee DeVigne are not alone in their struggles. Millions of family caregivers are facing similar challenges, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years. As the population continues to age, the demand for caregivers will only increase, and the shortage of caregivers will become more pronounced. In response to this growing need, some experts are advocating for policy changes to support family caregivers. "We need to provide more resources and support for family caregivers," said Dr. Jane Smith, a gerontologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. "This includes providing access to respite care, home modifications, and other forms of support to help caregivers manage the physical and emotional demands of caring for their loved ones." As the situation continues to unfold, family caregivers like Maurice White and Renee DeVigne are holding on to hope that policymakers will take action to address the growing need for caregivers. "We're not just caring for our loved ones," said DeVigne. "We're also caring for ourselves, and for the future of our families."